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Chairman Hall Statement on Science Funding in Appropriations Bill

Nov 17, 2011

Washington DC – Today, Rep. Ralph M. Hall (R-TX), Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology applauded passage of the conference report on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS) Appropriations bill, which was included in a package of bills that passed the House this afternoon by a vote of 298-121. The CJS appropriations prioritize funding for agencies and programs within the Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s jurisdiction, while still cutting total discretionary spending.

Chairman Hall released the following statement:

I am very pleased with the passage of the final CJS conference report. While cutting total spending, the bill prioritizes critical investments in our nation’s science agencies. I am extremely pleased that NASA funding reflects the importance of our nation’s space program by minimizing cuts. NASA is a driver of innovation that strengthens our nation's industrial base and the overall economy. I congratulate the appropriators for recognizing the importance of NASA to our high-tech competitiveness.

Further, the conference report prioritizes basic research accounts at both the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

I am also pleased that the final agreement does not include funding to establish a new Climate Service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Overall, I believe that this bipartisan agreement demonstrates the need for sustained federal investments in science that will ensure America remains a world leader in innovation.”